Eagles invite eases pain in family crisis

Geraldton youngster Harry Sheilds got to live out every Australian boy’s dream at Subiaco Oval, amid challenging times for his family.

Currently staying at Crawford Lodge in Perth while his father Claude receives cancer treatment, Harry was nominated to lead the West Coast Eagles out against Melbourne as their official mascot for the day.

As mother Renae explained, Harry’s passion for football has caught the imagination of those around Crawford Lodge.

“Harry’s always out in the carpark kicking a footy,” she said. “People pass through and always see him with it and some have a kick with him.

“We had no idea about the nomination, until we got a knock at the door. It turned out Crawford Lodge manager Ron had nominated Harry, along with a few other people.”

After leading the Eagles through the banner, Harry joined Rick “The Rock” Eagle and received a special surprise on the ground.

“We thought initially after Harry ran through the banner that would be it,” Renae said.

“But Rick was great. He took Harry to where the Eagles players were warming up and many of the players paused during their routine to give him a high five.

“Then he was given a footy and given the opportunity to have a kick at goal from about 25m.

“I reckon it was the kick of his life. He kicked the ball and it sailed through goalpost high.

“Then there was an almighty cheer from behind the goal by the Melbourne supporters who were sitting there — which was a wonderful gesture.”

Claude was diagnosed with three forms of cancer (lymphoma, melanoma and thyroid) on New Year’s Day, after a freak accident while swimming caused him to fracture his upper arm.

It was only after doctors completed scans on his vertical fracture that they found a tumour situated near the broken bone.

Apart from a sore shoulder, Claude had no other symptoms at the time.

The Sheilds family has relocated to Perth in order for Claude to undergo treatment, with Harry and sister Sophie enrolled in local schools.

Sophie is a basketballer, who has been welcomed into the “Sky Play” program at the Perry Lakes Hawks.

The Sheilds family said they have been blown away by the support and goodwill they have received. They thanked everyone who has assisted them, including Claude’s employer Geraldton Building Services and Cabinets.